Moles are very common, and many do grow over time. The medical term for mole is ‘nevus’ or the plural form ‘nevi.’
Rarely, a mole will become abnormal, or ‘dysplastic.’ A few of those may even become cancerous in the form of a melanoma. Always remember the ABCD’s of melanoma (A for asymmetry, B for irregular border, C for different colours, D for a diameter of 6mm or larger).
Fortunately, most moles are benign. But they will likely grow if left in place. They may be considered unsightly, and they may even grow hair!
Therefore, mole removal for cosmetic purposes is quite common in my Toronto plastic surgery offices. Cyst and lipoma (small round fat collection) removal are equally common in my practice.
When discussing mole removal, many of my patients are concerned about whether the excision will leave a scar. Keep in mind that there is no surgery without a scar, but plastic surgeons do better scars. Our entire plastic surgery training is focused on function AND aesthetics. It does not matter how complicated or simple the procedure is, we aim for a nice aesthetic result.
How do plastic surgeons make better scars?
Training—Our plastic surgery training is a 5-year process after 4-5 years of medical school. The focus of that specialization is function AND aesthetics—so we do care for the best scar possible.
Caring—As with most plastic surgeons, I care about having happy and satisfied patients, and an unobtrusive scar is an important part of the procedure.
Positioning—As a plastic surgeon in practice for more than 13 years now, I have also learned how and where to position the scar so it is the least visible. For example, we will place the scar in a fold, or in an existing or virtual line between 2 facial cosmetic units, at the hairline, under the jaw line, etc.
Orientation—I will also orient the scar so it follows the lines of ‘minimal tension.’ We know that too much tension will lead to wider scars. That is why in facelift surgery, for example, it is best to apply the required pulling tension to the deeper layers (muscles, facelift SMAS technique) and not the skin. By putting the scar according to minimal tension, tension on the skin will be lesser and the ultimate scar will be finer.
Instruments—I also use fine non-traumatic instruments so the skin edges are manipulated gently for better and quicker healing.
Stitching—As a plastic surgeon, I use finer stitch material, and I apply a few extra sutures.
Closure—I close the excision in 2 layers, again alleviating excessive tension on the skin edges.
Technique—We use surgical anti-septic technique from A to Z.
Post-op Care—I recommend and supervise the post-op care and scar healing with medical-grade SkinMedica scar gel, vitamin E oil, UVA and UVB sunscreens, etc.
The cost of mole removal might be slightly higher than with your other doctors, but you will get the utmost possible quality of technique and customer service. As you may know, we were voted top plastic surgery clinic in Toronto for both 2013 and 2014.
After all, it is your breast, your neck, your decolleté, your hand, your face! Request a consultation using our online contact form, or call our office at (416) 929-9800 to schedule an appointment.
by Dr. Marc DuPere, Toronto plastic surgeon
